LA Galaxy's David Beckham speaks exclusively to Mark Bosnich ahead of clash with Newcastle Jets

Posted Friday, November 26, 2010 by Foxsports.com

David Beckham agreed to only one formal interview while he's in Australia, and Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich was the man granted time with LA Galaxys most famous player.

LA Galaxy's David Beckham speaks exclusively to Mark Bosnich ahead of clash with Newcastle Jets
Man in the middle ... David Beckham prepared to face Newcastle Jets.

Beckham, a Manchester United legend and former England captain, will take to the field on Saturday against local A-League club Newcastle Jets. Since leaving Old Trafford, Beckham has also played for Real Madrid and Italian giants AC Milan.

It is in the United States with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy, however, that Beckham now plies his trade. Though his starts with the club have been sporadic since 2008 (interrupted by loans back to Europe), his slick touch, dead-ball ability and crowd appeal have made him a global football phenomenon.

Sitting down with Bosnich, Beckham was quick to agree there are similarities between the A-League and the MLS. Playing with LA Galaxy has given Beckham an understanding of the importance a domestic league plays in countries where football is not the dominant code. The MLS is thriving, regularly attracting high profile players and strong crowd numbers despite its short history in the US.

Beckham believes the MLS could provide a useful guide for Australia’s A-League, but says it’s important that a domestic league continually offers something to keep fans – and high profile players – interested.

"I just think it’s important that the interest is always there," Beckham said.

"I think in the last three of four years in the MLS, that’s been done, and there’s always been new franchises that come into the league.

"People with the investments out there have taken that – not that risk – but that chance, of coming into the MLS."

With a second Sydney club, Sydney Rovers, on the cusp of joining the Hyundai A-League, it's hoped that another local derby will help provide that extra level of "interest" in Australian football.

While Beckham is happy to talk about Australian football, it's clear he and LA Galaxy are here to perform. After losing to Sydney FC 5-2 in their last visit to Australia in 2007, LA Galaxy aren’t willing to be distracted by Newcastle's nearby wineries.

"I've heard about the wineries, but I haven’t been there yet. I'll wait'‘til after the game, and if I’ve got time then I will," Beckham said.

"We’re here to have fun and enjoy it, but we’re here to perform as well.

"A few of the guys went down to the beach, had a few hours down there. (But) I’m professional and stayed in and had treatment. Actually, I was too tired," he said jokingly